Community Solar: Palo Alto vs Santa Clara
How do community solar rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Palo Alto and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
California SB-43 enables Pacific Gas and Electric customers to subscribe to community solar projects without rooftop panels. Santa Clara County renters and condo owners can join the Green Tariff Shared Renewables and Community Solar Green Tariff programs.
View full Palo Alto rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
California SB-43 enables Pacific Gas and Electric customers to subscribe to community solar projects without rooftop panels. Santa Clara County renters and condo owners can join the Green Tariff Shared Renewables and Community Solar Green Tariff programs.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| State statute | California SB-43 (2013) | California SB-43 (2013) |
| Utility program | PG&E Solar Choice / GTSR | PG&E Solar Choice / GTSR |
| DAC discount | 20 percent off bill | 20 percent off bill |
| CCA option | SVCE and SJCE 100% renewable | SVCE and SJCE 100% renewable |
| Cancellation | 60 days notice no penalty | 60 days notice no penalty |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Do I save money with community solar?
Most market-rate Solar Choice subscriptions cost a small premium over standard PG&E generation rates. Community Solar Green Tariff subscribers in disadvantaged communities receive a 20-percent bill discount, producing real savings.
Can I subscribe if I rent in Santa Clara County?
Yes. Community-solar enrollment is tied to your PG&E or community-choice aggregator account, not to property ownership. Renters and condo owners qualify equally and can take the subscription with them when they move.
Santa Clara FAQ
Do I save money with community solar?
Most market-rate Solar Choice subscriptions cost a small premium over standard PG&E generation rates. Community Solar Green Tariff subscribers in disadvantaged communities receive a 20-percent bill discount, producing real savings.
Can I subscribe if I rent in Santa Clara County?
Yes. Community-solar enrollment is tied to your PG&E or community-choice aggregator account, not to property ownership. Renters and condo owners qualify equally and can take the subscription with them when they move.
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